Let’s face it—tacos are one of the best meals around. They’re quick, customizable, and perfect for just about any occasion. But have you ever tried Taco Biscuit Cups? If not, you’re in for a real treat. These little bites are like handheld tacos but with a soft, buttery biscuit twist. They’re super easy to make, great for kids, and perfect for busy weeknights or party appetizers.
If you love making easy dinners that mix up the usual routine, you might want to check out this recipe for Stovetop Stuffing Meatloaf for another creative spin on classic meals. But for now, let’s dive into everything you need to know about Taco Biscuit Cups—how to make them, variations, and tips for serving!
What Are Taco Biscuit Cups?
Taco Biscuit Cups are exactly what they sound like—tacos in a cup! Imagine all the flavors of a traditional taco, like seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, but instead of using a taco shell or tortilla, you press biscuit dough into a muffin tin to create little cups. The result? A warm, flaky biscuit packed with taco goodness. They’re a fun twist on tacos that are super easy to make and always a hit.
Why You’ll Love Them:
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love these! They’re easy to hold, fun to eat, and perfect for little hands.
- Customizable: You can fill these cups with your favorite taco toppings—meat, cheese, beans, veggies, you name it.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
- Perfect for Parties: Their small size makes them perfect appetizers for gatherings or game days.
Ingredients for Taco Biscuit Cups
Ready to get started? Here’s what you’ll need for the basic recipe:
- Ground beef (or you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative)
- Taco seasoning (either store-bought or homemade)
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands!™ or any other brand you prefer)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or mix it up with Mexican cheese blends, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for some spice)
- Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, etc.
- Optional extras: black beans, corn, bell peppers, or onions if you want to add more flavors and textures to your filling.
Pro Tip:
If you want to make your own taco seasoning instead of using the pre-packaged stuff, just mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Taco Biscuit Cups
Making Taco Biscuit Cups is super easy, and you’ll have them ready in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or any other protein you prefer)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can of refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, lettuce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and water (according to the package directions) and simmer until the meat mixture thickens.
- Prepare the biscuit dough: While the meat is simmering, separate the biscuit dough into individual biscuits. Flatten each one slightly and press them into a greased muffin tin, making sure to press the dough up the sides of each cup to form little biscuit “bowls.”
- Fill the cups: Spoon the seasoned beef mixture into each biscuit cup, filling them about three-quarters of the way.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of each cup.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them—nobody wants a burnt biscuit!
- Garnish and serve: Once they’re out of the oven, top each cup with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or shredded lettuce. Serve immediately!
Pro Tip:
To keep the biscuits from getting soggy, be sure to drain the meat well after cooking, and avoid overfilling the cups with too much liquid.
Variations on Taco Biscuit Cups
One of the best things about Taco Biscuit Cups is that they’re super versatile. You can switch up the fillings and toppings to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few fun variations to try:
1. Vegetarian Taco Cups
- Swap the ground beef for black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. Season with taco seasoning as usual. You’ll still get all the great taco flavors without the meat!
2. Chicken Taco Cups
- Use shredded or ground chicken instead of beef. You can cook it the same way, adding taco seasoning and water, or use pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time.
3. Breakfast Taco Biscuit Cups
- Want to make these for breakfast? No problem! Use scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese as the filling, and top with salsa or avocado for a breakfast taco twist.
4. Spicy Taco Cups
- If you like things with a bit of heat, mix in some diced jalapeños, spicy taco seasoning, or a drizzle of hot sauce. You can even use pepper jack cheese to amp up the spice.
5. Healthy Taco Biscuit Cups
- For a healthier version, use lean ground turkey or chicken, and add plenty of veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. You can also use whole wheat biscuit dough or a low-carb alternative.
6. Taco Biscuit Casserole
- If you’re feeding a crowd or just want a one-pan meal, skip the muffin tin and press the biscuit dough into a large casserole dish. Spread the taco meat over the dough, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until the biscuits are golden and the cheese is melted. Slice it up like a pie and serve!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Taco Biscuit Cups
Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Taco Biscuit Cups turn out perfectly every time:
1. Prevent soggy biscuits
- The key to preventing soggy biscuits is draining the taco meat well before filling the cups. You can also bake the biscuit dough cups for a few minutes on their own before adding the filling to give them a head start.
2. Even filling distribution
- When spooning the taco mixture into the cups, try to distribute it as evenly as possible to ensure each cup bakes consistently. This way, no one gets a sad, underfilled biscuit!
3. Crispier biscuits
- For extra crispy biscuits, you can brush the tops with melted butter before baking or even sprinkle a little garlic powder or taco seasoning on top for extra flavor.
4. Make ahead and freeze
- These Taco Biscuit Cups freeze really well. Make a big batch and freeze them individually. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the oven or microwave to reheat.
What to Serve with Taco Biscuit Cups
Taco Biscuit Cups are pretty satisfying on their own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are a few ideas for what to serve with them:
1. Mexican Rice
- A simple side of Mexican or Spanish rice pairs perfectly with these taco cups and adds a bit of heartiness to the meal.
2. Refried Beans
- Creamy refried beans are a great complement to the crispy, cheesy Taco Biscuit Cups. Plus, they’re packed with protein!
3. Salad
- A fresh salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the biscuit cups. You can even toss in some avocado or cilantro for extra flavor.
4. Guacamole and Chips
- You can never go wrong with guacamole and chips! Serve it on the side as an appetizer or spoon some directly onto your taco cups for added creaminess.
5. Corn on the Cob
- Grilled or roasted corn on the cob, slathered in butter or sprinkled with chili powder, is another great side dish that pairs well with the taco flavors.
FAQs About Taco Biscuit Cups
1. Can I make these with homemade biscuit dough?
- Absolutely! If you prefer making your own biscuit dough, go for it. Just make sure to roll it out and press it into the muffin tin the same way you would with the store-bought dough.
2. What’s a gluten-free option for the biscuit dough?
- You can find gluten-free biscuit dough in some stores, or you can use gluten-free tortillas pressed into the muffin tins for a different twist on the taco cup. Corn tortillas are also a great option for a crispy, gluten-free shell.
3. How do I keep the biscuits from burning?
- If the tops of the biscuits start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning while the filling finishes cooking.
4. Can I freeze Taco Biscuit Cups?
- Yes! Once they’ve cooled, wrap each cup individually and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in the oven or microwave to reheat.
5. Can I make a vegetarian or vegan version?
- Definitely! Just swap the ground meat for black beans, corn, or another plant-based filling. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and plant-based meat substitutes.
Conclusion
There you have it—everything you need to know to make Taco Biscuit Cups! Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or a fun appetizer for your next party, these taco cups are sure to be a hit. They’re incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize the fillings and toppings to suit your taste. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep or freezing for later.
So the next time you’re craving tacos but want to try something new, give these Taco Biscuit Cups a shot. They’re easy, delicious, and bound to become a family favorite!